stacking logs from a novice

[rmccabe]

Hi

I've no experience of log structures but undeterred am planning to build a 10X15 summer house in our garden (yard). The logs available locally in Wicklow (the garden of Ireland no less - 'the yard of Ireland' doe'snt have quite the same ring?) are 4'' X10.

My question is: for stacking the logs the advise I've come across is to use complicated overlap joints - being simple minded I thought I could just plane off the top and bottom of each log and put a screwed mitre at the corners.

Any problem with this approach? The house is not intended for permanent occupation but then you never know......

Any comments/observations much appreciated.

Reg

[WoodsCrest]

I don't believe I would trust mitered corners for a structure, not enough structural stability. If you don't want to "scribe" or "butt and pass" I would suggest corner posts. Use a 4" x 4" or 6" x 6" and screw through the post into each end (both directions of the corner)and in addition through the stacked logs into the lower log. There are longer screws made for this, I believe they are called "Oly Log" screws. Remember to put some kind of gasket tape between the logs and between the logs and corner posts if you want to keep the water out!

Best wishes,
Brett Woods
WoodsCrest Log Homes

[blue eyed devil]

Brett
I don't think thats such a great idea.What about settling???????
I guess the corner post could slotted but that would be ugly!
Actually that would'nt work either,you can't slot a corner and expect it to hold together.

rmccabe
How complicated do you think butt 'n pass or half lap notching is anyway?......... practice on a retaining wall or a small corner mock-up,you should have the hang of it after 2 rounds.

[WoodsCrest]

Assuming that the logs are dry, and noticing where he is building(not a dry area), the settling from shrinkage with 4" x 10"'s in a 8' high structure (from a private email) will be minimal and the tape will keep it tight.

You may want to caulk the joints down the road, but for a simple small structure I don't forsee any problems and it is definitely easier for the layman than notching, in time, expense and possible injuries!

Best wishes,
Brett Woods
WoodsCrest Log Homes

[LogSmithy]

....since all the logs are the same size, why not use a template to mark them and cut out to the lines for a locking corner - a sort of half lap joint. The Scandinavians are doing an awful lot of this machine cut corner joinery - he's not looking for 10 inch think walls - thats the height of each course!

Make a template that allows you to cut half way into each piece and avoid screws/nails altogether. see www.dovetailor.com for a simple video he has made - it will be come all to obvious what and how to do your little building!

Bill Lasko